Reducing The Risk Of Keyless Car Theft

Keyless Car Theft

Keyless car theft has hit the headlines in recent months as thieves increasingly turn to new technology to bypass car entry systems and steal people’s vehicles.

Car crime in the UK had been on the decline, but according to latest Home Office figures, the number of vehicles stolen has nearly doubled during the past five years. Disturbingly, latest statistics show that thieves took 120,000 cars in 2018 – the equivalent of 300 a day.

And, research by consumer group Which?  has revealed that some of Britain’s most popular cars, including the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Fiesta are all susceptible to keyless theft.

To take a car without physically unlocking it, thieves use computerised technology to hack into its system.  They don’t even need to see the keys – they just need a signal booster close to the key fob and near to the vehicle.

Armed with a relay amplifier and transmitter, which they’ve usually sourced online, criminals can intercept the key’s radio signal.

Acting with accomplices, they target homes where a shiny new vehicle is parked in the driveway, using relay technology to determine whether the vehicle features keyless entry.

If it does, then the car door can be opened – and the vehicle stolen – in little more than a minute.

The increase in keyless car theft – also known as relay theft – is a worrying trend and understandably motorists are anxious to avoid becoming another crime statistic.

There are steps drivers can take though, to minimise the chances of it happening to them.

One low-tech measure is to keep your car keys in a metal tin to block wireless signals, or to invest in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch.  These protective cases are made of material designed to isolate the signal from equipment used by criminals to amplify key fob RFID (radio frequency identification).

Many anti-theft key fob pouches and wallets are now widely available online and in-store, but some have been shown to work better than others.  Only buy from reputable retailers and do your own research first before you purchase.

Some owners have literally tried to foil potential thieves by wrapping their car keys in tin foil to stop electrostatic signals. It’s an inexpensive option but some car security experts aren’t convinced of its reliability and favour anti-theft wallets.

On some car models keyless fobs can be turned off, so it’s well worth checking if yours is among them. Switching off the fob usually involves pressing the button a few times, but it’s not always apparent how to do this. Look in your owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer for more information.

Don’t forget the security basics either.  When out and about, park in well-lit areas and ensure no valuables are on show.

At home make it harder for thieves to get access to your property. Think about installing locked gates so that even if criminals do gain entry to your car, they won’t be able to drive off in it that easily.

And, whether your car has keyless entry or not, don’t leave your car keys near doors and windows. Keep them out of sight, preferably in a drawer.